Press Release

Developments to provide more than 650 affordably priced units for NYC residents CARMEL, IN (Mar. 29, 2019) – Mortgage banking firm Merchants Capital has secured financing for two affordable housing developments, totaling more than $180.6 million, in the New York City area: MEC 125th Street and Caton Flats. Both transactions executed a novel risk-share structure between Merchants Capital, Freddie Mac and New York City Housing Development Corporation (NYCHDC) as the local housing finance agency. These risk-share loans are structured as permanent forward commitments to take out the new construction loans. “The creativity of these two transactions is unparalleled. We are incredibly thankful to our partners at Freddie Mac and NYCHDC for their inventiveness, as well as to our clients for their commitment to ensuring the development of truly transformative projects,” said Mathew Wambua, executive vice president at Merchants Capital. “These projects are a testament to our continued mission to provide quality affordable housing to workforce and low-income families.” Located in East Harlem, MEC 125th Street is a 19-story, 404-unit mixed-use, mixed-income complex that will bring much needed affordable and market-rate units to this revitalized neighborhood. In coordination with NYCHDC, New York City Housing Preservation and Development (NYCHPD), New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYC EDC), Freddie Mac, Citi Community Capital, Blank Rome LLP and Sidley Austin LLP, MEC 125th Street is key in providing greater affordability to residents in Manhattan. The development was financed through a $120 million, 35-year Freddie Mac Forward Commitment loan secured by Merchants Capital on behalf of The Richman Group Development Corporation. “We are excited to be partners in what will be a remarkable addition to thriving East Harlem and to be part of the community,” said Kristin Miller, president of The Richman Group Development Corporation. “This is the culmination of the efforts of many talented people and organizations, as well as over 10 years of hard work and perseverance. It will be amazing to see this project come to fruition.” Fifty percent of the project’s apartments will be offered at rents ranging from 37 percent of the area’s annual median income (AMI) to 80 percent AMI. An additional 23 percent of units will have rents ranging from 130 percent AMI to 145 percent AMI, and the remaining 27 percent will be market rate. The development site is conveniently located one block from the 125th Street Subway and two blocks from Harlem 125th Metro North Station, providing easy access throughout the city and the greater New York Area. The second development, Caton Flats, is the much-anticipated revitalization of the Flatbush Caton Market (FCM), a destination of Caribbean commerce, entertainment and culture in New York City. The approximately 280,000-square-foot, 255-unit project is being developed by BRP Development, Urbane Development and the Caribbean American Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CACCI) in coordination with the NYCHDC, the NYCHPD, NYC EDC, Freddie Mac, Citi Community Capital, Blank Rome LLP and Sidley Austin LLP. Loan proceeds will fund the development of mixed-income housing, ground floor retail, space for community groups, a business incubator, and a new home for the Flatbush Caton Market. Merchants Capital secured the loan through the new Freddie Mac Non-LIHTC Forward Commitment on behalf of BRP Development Corporation. Non-LIHTC forwards are unfunded, forward commitments for affordable housing developed by nonprofits and subsidized, rent-restricted affordable housing that for-profit developers can use for their new multifamily construction or substantial rehabilitation projects. “The financing secures the future of Caton Flats as an incredible source of affordable housing and economic opportunity for community residents and entrepreneurs,” said Andy Cohen, director of development for BRP Companies. “In addition to providing the neighborhood with much-needed housing, Caton Flats will also serve as a center of commerce, entrepreneurship and culture for Flatbush and the surrounding community.” Ten percent of the Caton Flats apartments will be priced affordably at 37 percent AMI. Fifteen percent of the units will be set at 57 percent AMI, and another 25 percent set at 90 percent AMI. The other half of the Caton Flats apartments will have rents capped at 130 percent AMI.

CARMEL, Ind. (Mar. 29, 2019) - Mortgage banking firm Merchants Capital announces today that it has reached a major milestone. As of Dec. 28, 2018, Merchants Capital, formerly PR Mortgage & Investments, now services loans in excess of $10 billion for Merchants Bank and other investors. Since its inception in 1990, Merchants Capital has originated and closed more than $13.8 billion in loans. In 2018 alone, Merchants Capital closed approximately 207 loans and generated nearly $2.6 billion in new loan production nationwide. In 2017, the company closed more than $1.7 billion in new loans. “We are extremely proud of our servicing teams for their continued commitment to providing the highest quality of service to our borrowers,” said Michael R. Dury, president of Merchants Capital. “Reaching this milestone is not only a testament to our highly driven team, but also to our valued customers who trust us and our skilled expertise in providing a direct way to access financing via our bank, Merchants Bank, with a single point of contact.” Merchants Capital provides servicing for a variety of loan types – including Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and FHA – to meet the needs of a diverse portfolio of affordable, multifamily and healthcare housing loans. The company’s team of professionals specialize in managing the needs of multifamily and healthcare facility loans, providing skilled expertise to investors and borrowers. This milestone comes on the heels of the company’s rebrand to Merchants Capital, which renewed and elevated the company’s commitment to providing and servicing multifamily housing. Merchants Capital also recently announced its new $25 million, 100,000 square-foot headquarters in Carmel, Indiana, opening in 2019. The development will bring an estimated 150 bank employee jobs to the Carmel Midtown area.

CARMEL, Ind. (Mar. 26, 2019) – Leading mortgage banking company Merchants Capital today announces the hiring of Lisa Lundeen as vice president of government-sponsored enterprise (GSE) portfolio management and Toni Gilbert as vice president of insurance compliance to the company’s Saint Paul, Minnesota office. These are both newly created roles. Lundeen brings more than 12 years of multifamily servicing and asset management experience to the Merchants Capital team, with a background in both permanent and construction loans, as well as knowledge of investor accounting and reporting for Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and Federal Housing Administration (FHA) assets. Since stepping into the role, Lundeen has transformed the GSE Portfolio Management team, which is responsible for performing financial analyses, completing inspections, monitoring repairs and escrows, processing loan events and managing risks of the company’s Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae portfolios. Lundeen will be a critical leader in improving company procedures, as well as leading the implementation of a new servicing and database management application. With the conversion to Precision LM, Merchants continues to demonstrate its commitment to leading the industry in loan servicing. Gilbert’s addition will allow the Merchants Capital team to streamline the process for loan closings and post-closing insurance renewals. Her responsibility will include reviewing insurance information to ensure compliance with Freddie Mac, Fannie Mae, the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and Merchants Bank standards. Gilbert has 16 years of insurance compliance and multifamily escrow industry experience, as well as a vast knowledge of lender requirements. “We’re excited to have Lisa and Toni in these newly created positions as we continue to expand our Twin Cities office with top talent,” said Michael Dury, president of Merchants Capital. “Providing great service to our customers is, and always will be, a top priority at Merchants Capital.  Lisa and Toni’s unique backgrounds give them an excellent perspective that will greatly impact our day-to-day activities and allow us to deliver a better product to our customers. Lundeen is a 2002 graduate of the University of St. Thomas in Saint Paul, Minnesota, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration degree specializing in Marketing Management. She is currently enrolled in the Mortgage Bankers Association Future Leaders Program, an executive leadership development program that delivers a comprehensive curriculum for selected managers who have shown leadership interests and abilities. Gilbert graduated from Mankato State University in Mankato, Minnesota, with a Bachelor of Science in Business Management degree and a minor in Computer Science. She is a member of the MBA Insurance Stakeholders, holds a Certified Insurance Service Representative (CISR) designation and is licensed as a Minnesota Resident Insurance Producer.

Merchants Bancorp has once again been named by S&P Global Market Intelligence as the #1 Best-Performing Community Bank in the State of Indiana for 2018, #6 nationally. Rankings are based on financials year ended December 31, 2018 for banks with $3B to $10B in assets. See the rankings at S&P Global.

We are pleased to announce that Merchants Capital's own David Hines has earned HUD’s Deputy Chief Underwriter designation!  This is a tremendous accomplishment and one that takes years of hard work and dedication.  David has been with Merchants Capital since 2011.  In his experience as an underwriter, he has underwritten all types of loans from acquisition and refinance transactions, to substantial rehab and new construction.  A graduate with Highest Distinction from the Indiana University School of Business, Mr. Hines has structured over $1 billion in commercial real estate financing over his career at Merchants Capital. David Hines David's experience with complex transactions has been an invaluable resource for our underwriting staff and we celebrate his success. THANK YOU DAVID AND CONGRATULATIONS! DAVID HINESVICE PRESIDENT, FHA DEPUTY CHIEF UNDERWRITERCarmel, Indiana

CARMEL, Ind. – Merchants Capital has formally announced the promotion of Brian Sullivan to executive vice president and chief operating officer of Merchants Capital. Since stepping into this role in August 2018, Sullivan continues to lead capital markets activities, while overseeing the execution of strategic initiatives, notably the implementation of an industry-leading, custom loan origination and servicing software. Brian Sullivan Previously, Sullivan served as the vice president of Merchants Capital and Merchants Bank of Indiana – the parent company of Merchants Capital, formerly PR Mortgage and Investments. Sullivan, who has been with Merchants Bancorp since 2013, has more than a decade of experience in project management, capital markets, and correspondent loan origination. In his new role, Sullivan is responsible for oversight of production, servicing and asset management and capital markets, with a focus on building a resilient and robust platform to support the company’s growth plans. Previously, he led the capital markets group for the company and was involved with Merchants Bancorp’s mergers and acquisitions (M&A) and corporate finance groups. “We’re thrilled to promote Brian to COO and to continue to enhance our team with top talent from within,” said Michael Dury, president of Merchants Capital. “Brian has a unique background having led our capital markets desk, executing bank and mortgage company acquisitions, and helping our parent company with its public offering.  Most importantly, Brian’s leadership abilities make this a well-deserved role at Merchants Capital and we look forward to a bright future together.” Sullivan earned his MBA from the Indiana University Kelley School of Business and his bachelor’s degree from DePauw University. Sullivan is involved civically with the Build Fund, an economic development focused CDFI, LISC Indianapolis, and the Penrod Society, which supports the arts and cultural education in central Indiana.

CARMEL, IN (Dec. 27, 2018) – Mortgage banking firm Merchants Capital has secured financing for the development of a $19.7 million mixed-income workforce housing community in Rochester, Minnesota. Merchants Capital secured the loan through the first-ever Freddie Mac Non-LIHTC Forward Commitment on behalf of Real Estate Equities. Dubbed Technology Park Apartments, the 164-unit affordable housing complex will help to ease the city’s affordable housing crisis, as Rochester was recently ranked one of the lowest metropolitan statistical areas (MSAs) nationally for housing affordability by Nationwide Economics. The project closed on Sept. 5, 2018. “We appreciate the opportunity to assist in the development of this housing community and the chance to help close Rochester’s affordable housing gap,” said Michael R. Dury, president of Merchants Capital. “We were able to simplify the process with our ability to provide the construction financing through our parent company, Merchants Bank, and also offer the Freddie Mac Non-LIHTC Forward Commitment product for the long term permanent financing.” The apartments were financed through a 10-year Freddie Mac Non-LIHTC Forward Commitment loan where the interest rate was locked at the closing of the construction loan. Non-LIHTC forwards are unfunded, forward commitments for affordable housing developed by nonprofits and subsidized, rent-restricted affordable housing that for-profit developers can use for their new multifamily construction or substantial rehabilitation projects. “We are very excited to be on the forefront of developing a modern workforce housing product that is not heavily reliant on government funding sources,” said Alexander Bisanz, director of acquisitions at Real Estate Equities. “Partnering with the Greater Minnesota Housing Fund to provide low-cost, mission-driven equity – as well as structuring attractive financing with Merchants Capital – truly allowed us to get this project off the ground.” Forty percent of Technology Park Apartments will be priced affordably for individuals earning an annual income of $40,000, or 60 percent of the area’s annual median income (AMI). The Greater Minnesota Housing Fund contributed a total of $3.4 million in capital for the development of these units, which will cost renters an estimated $1,150 a month for a two-bedroom apartment. An additional 35 percent of units will be set aside for individuals earning about $55,000 a year, 20 percent below Rochester’s AMI. The remaining units will be priced slightly below the current market value, about $200-300 less than similar apartments in the area. “In all of Greater Minnesota Housing Fund’s work to create and preserve unsubsidized affordable housing, we have struggled to crack the code on the production of new affordable units without reliance on public resources. Now, as an equity partner in Technology Park, we are furthering our mission and innovating ways to increase the funding pie with new financing solutions,” said Rachel Robinson, fund manager with Greater Minnesota Housing Fund. “Going forward, Tech Park, with 164 modestly priced apartments, 66 at reduced, affordable rents, will be a pilot for further innovation in this realm.” Technology Park’s cost-efficient, smart building design achieves sufficient economies of scale to charge modest rents, meeting the needs of a range of household incomes. Today’s market financing tools are working best for luxury apartment construction, and at the other end of the spectrum, affordable apartment developments financed with federal tax credits are limited in supply. Developers have struggled to find ways to finance new construction homes that are in between: achieving modest rents for residents without government subsidy. Freddie Mac’s new Non-LIHTC Forward Commitment achieves this. “Freddie Mac’s forward commitment is helping to provide affordable housing for valued members of the Rochester, Minnesota, community who struggle to find it,” said David Leopold, vice president of targeted affordable sales & investments at Freddie Mac Multifamily. “We created Non-LIHTC Forwards for this very purpose – to provide the flexibility and certainty mission-driven investors need to finance housing for low- and very-low income families.” Technology Park Apartments will be located in Rochester, Minnesota, on the north side of Technology Drive Northwest between Valleyhigh Drive and West Circle Drive. Neighboring Benchmark Electronics to the east, Costco to the south and Crooked Pint to the west, the complex is positioned in close proximity to grocery stores and other nearby amenities.

Rebrand strengthens investment in remaining the most innovative, trusted and complete financial solutions company in the industry. CARMEL, Ind. (Nov. 1, 2018) – PR Mortgage & Investments, together with wholly owned subsidiary RICHMAC Funding, LLC (“RICHMAC”), a leading national full-service mortgage banking company, announces its rebrand to Merchants Capital. The comprehensive rebrand renews and elevates the company’s commitment to providing and servicing multifamily, senior and student housing. Merchants Capital will continue to offer all existing financial services, while investing further in brand unity and expert support for its clients. Merchants Capital and its affiliates – including Merchants Bank – will remain leaders in multifamily affordable housing finance, offering a full suite of products to affordable multifamily owners, including balance sheet, FHA, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. Since its inception in 1990, Merchants Capital has originated and closed more than $11 billion in loans and now services in excess of $8.2 billion. In 2017, the company closed more than $1.7 billion in new loans. As of September 30, 2018, Merchants Capital has generated $1.8 billion in new loan production. In 2017, PR Mortgage & Investments acquired RICHMAC, a national Freddie Mac Targeted Affordable Housing Seller/Servicer, Fannie Mae Multifamily Affordable Housing Lender, approved FHA multifamily lender and Ginnie Mae issuer. The seller was an affiliate of The Richman Group. “We are very proud of our unique expertise that marries the services of a bank with those of a mortgage company, as well as the market momentum and position we’ve created nationally,” said Michael F. Petrie, chairman and co-founder of Merchants Capital. “As our company continues to grow and evolve, we decided it was time for an exciting change, building on the existing Merchants brand recognition and merit.” In 2009, Merchants Capital’s parent company, Merchants Bank, reintroduced the trusted “Merchants” brand back into the financial services market. Merchants continues to be recognized as one of the top performing banks nationally by S&P Market Intelligence. “We believe there are significant growth opportunities with additional borrowers and partners across the nation. Launching this modern, unified brand signals our intention to the market and positions Merchants Capital to meet these expansion targets,” said Michael R. Dury, president of Merchants Capital. The rebrand will not affect any existing loans or delay any current or future loans in process with Merchants Capital. Multifamily lending will continue to be the core of the company’s business model, and with extensive expertise and experience, Merchants Capital will always provide customized financial services to its clients and investors.

A Letter from President Michael Dury We are excited to share the launch of our new name and brand: Merchants Capital. In 1990, we opened our doors as PR Mortgage & Investments, a mortgage banking firm specializing in multifamily housing and health care facility finance. Today, we are recognized as a premier provider and servicer of multifamily, senior and student housing. It’s important to pause and consider what else has changed over the past 28 years. Our parent company, Merchants Bank, reintroduced the trusted “Merchants” brand back into the financial services market in 2009, and Merchants continues to be recognized as one of the top performing banks nationally by S&P Market Intelligence. Additionally, in 2017, we acquired RICHMAC Funding, a national Freddie Mac Targeted Affordable Housing Seller/Servicer and Fannie Mae Multifamily Affordable Housing Lender. As our company continues to grow and evolve, we decided it was time for an exciting change. Our Merchants Capital rebrand reflects our investment in remaining the most innovative, trusted and complete financial solutions company in the industry by aligning our corporate entities with the “Merchants” name. You may be asking, “What does this change mean for my business?” Changing our name and branding to Merchants Capital does not change our commitment to providing you with the best selection of financial services. We will continue to offer all existing financial services, while investing further in brand unity and expert support for our clients. Merchants Capital and our affiliates will remain leaders in multifamily affordable housing finance, offering a full suite of products to affordable multifamily owners, including balance sheet, FHA, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. To our clients, employees, community and industry partners: Thank you. Thank you for growing with us and for your continued support and loyalty. We look forward to sharing this next chapter with you. Sincerely, Michael R. Dury, President

Carmel, Indiana-based PR Mortgage & Investment Corp. (“PR Mortgage”) secures financing for the development of a $28.5 million workforce housing community in Indianapolis. This unique “workforce” housing development is a joint venture between Strategic Capital Partners, LLC and Goodwill of Central & Southern Indiana. The plans include constructing 208 units comprised of studios, one- and two-bedrooms, at the southwest corner of West Michigan Street and White River Parkway, in the River West neighborhood. The project is targeted toward middle-income workers who want to live within one mile of their workplace but who can’t afford higher downtown rents. “Strategic Capital Partners is a valued client and we appreciate the opportunity to assist in the development of this housing community.  Our ability to provide construction financing through our parent company, Merchants Bank while advising on options for permanent debt at stabilization, creates a seamless process from application to closing. Riverview Apartments are a value-add to downtown Indianapolis, providing housing options for middle-income workers, contributing to the vitality of the community”, said Michael R. Dury, President of PR Mortgage. “SCP was fortunate to have such a strong partner in PR Mortgage on this complex transaction.  The team at PR showed a solutions-driven mindset leading up to closing and their execution was the lynchpin in allowing this project to move forward.  We thank them for their continued advocacy of this important development”, said John Sweet, Chief Investment Officer of Strategic Capital Partners. All the units are reserved for those with incomes between 61 percent and 120 percent of the area median income which is currently $30,000 to $60,000 annually. The development will include a fitness center, free onsite parking and outdoor amenities.